Political Quotes

“I am opposed to corporate welfare. I am opposed to giving away taxpayers' money. I am even opposed to fattening fat cats. But I am not opposed to stimulating business growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region of the world. I am not opposed to saying that in order to facilitate the development of opportunity in areas that unless there was some private investment, nothing would happen. And so while generally I would be on the other side of an issue like this one, but because of the need in areas of the world for business development, I find myself in opposition to this amendment because I want to see Africa have an opportunity to grow and develop, and I support investment in countries like sub-Saharan Africa. I oppose the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment to prohibit any funds for new projects by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Cutting OPIC's administrative budget will hurt our nation's 22 million small businesses who export directly or by contract to other countries. Specifically, cutting funds would cut what little business assistance sub Saharan Africa, the poorest region of the world receives. During this decade OPIC has increased its effectiveness in helping Africa. For instance, OPIC has currently four privately managed investment funds available to support investment in Africa.”